Method and Device for Entertaining Using a Mobile Entertainment Environment

ABSTRACT

A method and device for entertaining event attendees involves transporting a mobile electronic environment to an event location and providing event attendees temporary authorization to access to the mobile entertainment environment. At the conclusion of the entertainment, temporary authorization and access is revoked. For storage, electronic equipment can be removed from the entertainment environment and placed in a secure location. At each entertainment station attendees can play games using one of several gaming systems and their corresponding peripherals. Large video displays and audio equipment enhance the experience at each entertainment station. Interactive gaming can be experienced among multiple players at a single station, among players at different stations, or by connected to the internet for interactive play with remote players. Additional features include exterior video displays, stabilizers to minimize motion sickness within the trailer, and a video controller for providing master control of all of the video displays.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending application Ser. No.11/880,715 filed Jul. 27, 2007.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to providing a social gaming and entertainmentenvironment. This invention relates particularly to a method forentertaining event attendees by supplying a mobile entertainmentenvironment equipped with multiple interchangeable gaming systems.

BACKGROUND

Video games have continued to evolve in terms of technology, popularity,and availability. This evolution is particularly evident in the marketfor console video game systems (referred to as “console systems”herein), which are stand-alone apparatuses designed primarily for videogaming. Pioneered by companies such as Atari® and Nintendo®, the consolesystem market is highly competitive and consumers often fiercely loyal.One of the primary keys of technical development has been the abilityfor video game players to play against each other, as they could do inthe arcade. The first Nintendo® console system allowed two video gameplayers to interact simultaneously by providing two separate controllersand two controller ports on the console system. Capacity was soonexpanded to four controllers on the next generation of console systems.Subsequently, Microsoft® introduced the Xbox®, which could be linked bycable to another Xbox®, allowing up to eight players to play againsteach other. With the advent and widespread adoption of the internet andcomputer networking, it became possible to host a video game on acentral computer and allow players to interact remotely by accessing thecentral computer to play against each other. This capability wascommercially expanded to the console market with the Xbox® and XboxLive® service.

Graphical display capabilities, computer speed, and sophistication ofgame functionality have also matured, leading to a maturation of themarket's target audience. Video games, once thought to be for kids, arewidely played by youth, teens, and adults alike. For example, sportsgames such as EA Sports® Madden® football series have earned a followingthat supports yearly releases of new versions, nationwide tournaments,professional athlete endorsement contracts, and annual sales reachinginto the tens of millions of dollars. The video gaming industry hasfurther expanded its reach into other systems, such as televisionsconnected to DVD players, personal computers (PCs) that play DVDs, andPCs that connect to the internet. These systems, console systems, andother apparatuses used for video gaming such as joystick game devicesare referred to herein collectively as gaming systems.

The widespread familiarity with gaming systems combined with thecapacity for entertaining many people simultaneously makes console videogaming an attractive source of entertainment at many types of events andgatherings. However, because a single gaming system can only support alimited number of game controllers, typically four, the full potentialof gaming systems in an event environment can only be attained bylinking multiple gaming systems at the event. Providing multiple gamingsystems becomes cost-prohibitive, as new generation gaming systems cancost $400 or more. The cost of additional game controllers, additionalvideo displays (such as an LCD or plasma monitor or television), and awide variety of video games to be played further drives the expense toan unreasonable level. Further, the event location must have a room orother space dedicated to video gaming. If the event is held outdoors,the environment may be unsuitable for both gamers and equipment due tolack of power requirements, air conditioning, or protection from theelements.

Event planners could mitigate the costs of providing gaming systementertainment by renting the gaming systems and video games. Videorentals stores such as Blockbuster® provide a limited number of consolesystems and video games for rental. However, this approach leaves somedisadvantages unaddressed. For example, an event planner still mustprovide ample seating and a sufficient number of video displays.Furthermore, an event planner must install the equipment at each event,which requires time and technical knowledge, especially where the gamesare linked so multiple players can interact. Finally, an event plannermust find a dedicated indoor or protected space at each event that canaccommodate multiple displays, gaming systems, and players. It wouldtherefore be desirable to have a method of renting video gaming systemsand games where the renter could additionally rent space, seating, anddisplay units. Moreover, it would be desirable to decrease the time andeffort of setting up the gaming systems, seating and displays at eachindependent event.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a fullyintegrated multi-user mobile entertainment environment in which gamerscan play individually or interactively on commercially popular videogaming systems. It is a further object that the mobile entertainmentenvironment be comfortable and safe and able to entertain a plurality ofgamers at a time. Another object of the invention is to provide a methodin which gaming entertainment is provided temporarily by temporarilyallowing access to a mobile entertainment environment. Another object ofthe invention is to provide a multi-user mobile entertainmentenvironment that diminishes excessive noise, fumes, and obstructions andcan safely and legally travel on public streets and throughneighborhoods without the need for a commercial driver's license.Finally, a further object of the invention is to provide a multi-userentertainment environment where certain electronic components can beeasily removed for secure storage when the entertainment environment isnot in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a method for entertaining event attendees byinstalling electronic equipment in a mobile entertainment environmentand then transporting the mobile electronic environment to an eventlocation. At the event location, event attendees are provided withtemporary authorization and access to the mobile entertainmentenvironment and subsequently entertained. At the conclusion of theentertainment, temporary authorization and access is revoked and themobile electronic environment is removed from the event location. Forstorage, electronic equipment can be removed from the entertainmentenvironment and placed in a secure location. The mobile entertainmentenvironment preferably is a trailer pulled by a delivery vehicle, suchas a pickup truck. The trailer has multiple entry points and containscomfortable seating for event attendees and multiple entertainmentstations. At each entertainment station attendees can play games orwatch DVDs using one of several gaming systems and their correspondingperipherals. Large video displays and audio equipment enhance theexperience at each entertainment station. Interactive gaming can beexperienced among multiple players at a single station, among players atdifferent stations, or by connected to the internet for interactive playwith remote players. Additional features of the entertainmentenvironment include security cameras, exterior video displays for thebenefit of attendees not in the trailer, stabilizers to minimize motionsickness within the trailer, and a video controller for providing mastercontrol of all of the video displays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the mobileentertainment environment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the preferred layout of the components of themobile entertainment enclosure of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a method of entertaining event attendees by providingthem with temporary access to a mobile entertainment environment. FIG. 1illustrates the preferred embodiment of the mobile entertainmentenvironment 10. Entertainment environment 10 preferably comprisesenclosure 11 that can be transported to any event location by a deliveryvehicle 14. Preferably, enclosure 11 is a trailer 24 feet long and 8.5feet wide. A trailer of this size maximizes the amount of usableentertainment space while remaining within acceptable size guidelinesfor safely and easily driving on public streets without needing toobtain a special permit. Additionally, because the trailer is relativelylight and does not haul any people, a commercial driver's license is notrequired. While an enclosure such as a trailer of this size ispreferred, any environment is acceptable as long as it is capable ofbeing mobile and accommodating the entertainment features as describedbelow. For example, the entertainment environment could be a trolley, anopen-air trailer, a platform, a truck with integral cabin and enclosedbed, a bus or any other mobile environment as is known in the art. Inthe preferred embodiment, enclosure 11 simply attaches to the hitch 15of vehicle 14. While a detachable delivery vehicle is preferred, forsome embodiments of the present invention, the ability to transport theenvironment may be integral with the enclosure 11 as, for example, whenenclosure 11 comprises a bus or trolley. If a separate delivery vehicleis used, it is not limited to a pickup truck; any vehicle capable oftowing a trailer can be used, as is known in the art.

Using a pickup truck is advantageous, however, because additionalequipment for supporting entertainment environment 10 can be transportedas well. For example, entertainment environment includes a power supply,which is preferably one or more gas-powered generators 16. FIG. 1 showsthe generators 16 in the bed of delivery vehicle 14, but generators 16can also be incorporated into or supported by enclosure 11. In thepreferred embodiment, entertainment environment 10 includes three Honda®generators which provide over 10 kW of power without creating excessivenoise.

Additionally, enclosure 11 can support one or more climate control unitssuch as air conditioners 17 positioned on the roof 12 of enclosure 11,as is also shown in FIG. 1. The climate control units are used toregulate the temperature within enclosure 11 and can be airconditioners, heaters, fans dehumidifiers, or even simply windows, as isknown in the art. By placing the air conditioners on the roof 12 ofenclosure 11 and orienting them to blow on the entertainment stations20, air is directed sideways onto the electronics and seating withinenclosure 11 as opposed to down the length of enclosure 11. Climatecontrol units can be positioned elsewhere on enclosure 11, however, asis known in the art.

Enclosure 11 preferably has one or more entry locations to accommodateevent attendees and to facilitate the traffic flow of event attendees.FIG. 1 shows the preferred entry point: a curbside door 19 on one sideof enclosure 11. Optionally, the enclosure 11 may include a door 18 thatfolds down to become a ramp at the back of enclosure 11. Any number ofentry points can be used, however. Because door 18 folds down into alarge ramp, it accommodates both large groups of attendees andwheelchairs. Additionally, it further helps control the climate and theatmosphere within enclosure 11. For example, for a more open feeling orfor more airflow, door 18 can remain open during the entertainmentperiod. Alternatively, for a more intimate theatre setting, door 18 andcurbside door 19 can be closed. Windows with curtains or blinds can beplaced around the enclosure as well for a similar effect, as is known inthe art.

Finally, FIG. 1 shows stabilizers 13 positioned at each corner ofenclosure 11. Stabilizers 13 can be lowered and used to preventexcessive motion or vibration when event attendees occupy theentertainment environment. Because the camera “views” of video games caninduce actual motion sickness, stabilizers enhance the comfort of theevent attendees. In the preferred embodiment, at least four hydraulicstabilizer are used, one near each corner of the enclosure. Thestabilizers preferably act independently of the other. Alternatively,pneumatic or mechanical stabilizers may be used, such as screw-typestabilizers

FIG. 2 illustrates further details of enclosure 11 and its entertainmentcomponents. As shown in FIG. 2, enclosure 11 has sidewalls 21 and 22 anda front-end wall 23, which is near where enclosure 11 connects todelivery vehicle 14. At the back end of enclosure 11 is door 18.Preferably the floor 25 of enclosure 11 is insulated to increase thethermal and sound insulation performance of enclosure 11. For example, alayer of ½ inch construction foam under carpet will suffice.

Preferably sidewall 21 is reinforced with steel plates welded to theframe of enclosure 11. The steel plates can support one or more visualdisplays 30 and various audio components 38. Brackets 31 such as thetype typically used to support wall hangings in earthquake-pronegeographic areas are mechanically secured to the steel plates forsupporting the electronics. Brackets 31 enable visual displays 30 andaudio components 38 to be removed easily when the entertainmentenvironment 10 is not in use. By enabling removal of the expensiveelectronics equipment, these components can be safely and securelystored thereby reducing insurance costs. While earthquake brackets aredescribed, any type of bracket or support can be used as long as itsecures the equipment during transport and enables equipment removal andinstallation.

A collection of components is used to play a video game, including thegaming system 32, one or more game controllers or other peripherals (notshown), a video display 30 and optionally a network hub 37. Thecomponents are referred to herein collectively as an entertainmentstation 20. The preferred embodiment of the present invention has fourentertainment stations 20. The preferred embodiment uses one or moretypes of gaming systems, such as a dedicated DVD player 31, an Xbox®console system 32, a Playstation® console system 33, and a Wii® consolesystem 34. Alternatively, other gaming systems or joystick games can besubstituted, as will be readily apparent to someone skilled in the art.The controllers may be wired or wireless.

Each gaming system electrically connects to a generator 16, videodisplay 30, and optionally audio components 38 associated with thatparticular entertainment station. Additionally, gaming systems 31, 32,33 and 34 may electrically connect to a network hub 37 with systemswitches to easily switch from one gaming system to another. Finally,gaming systems 31, 32, 33 and 34 may also electrically connect tocomputer equipment and communications equipment for accessing theinternet and to facilitate interactive gaming among event attendees andwith remote game players. There are several methods for connecting thegaming systems to the internet. Preferably all four gaming systemsconnect over CAT5 twisted pair wires to a single hub, which is thenconnected to the internet. Alternatively the gaming systems can connect,either singly or ganged, via a wireless router to a remote existinginternet connection, such as a broadband Wi-Fi connection. Anothermethod is to connect the gaming systems using a high speedthird-generation wireless cellular modem. Preferably the internetconnection would be shared via a laptop or wireless router with NetworkAddress Translation (NAT) capabilities.

In the preferred embodiment, multiple types of gaming systems may beused at each entertainment station 20 so that multiple types of gamesmay be played. FIG. 2 shows four gaming systems 32, 33, 34, 35 at eachentertainment station 20. In such case, the gaming systems arepreferably interconnected with a network hub 37 at each entertainmentstation 20 to make it easy to switch between the games. The network hub37 and system switches provide the flexibility to change gaming systemsand games quickly and enables the entertainment environment to appealfor multiple types and tastes of event attendees. Alternatively, asingle set of multiple gaming stations may be utilized in theentertainment environment, the gaming stations interconnected with anetwork hub 37 that transmits a desired game to each of the videodisplays 30.

Preferably each of the gaming systems is removable so that it can beremoved for cleaning, replacement, or to be stored securely. Morepreferably, each of the gaming systems is interchangeable with theothers, so that a gaming system can be easily swapped between eachentertainment station 20.

Wall 21 supports four video displays 30, one at each of the fourentertainment stations 20. Alternatively, the video displays may beposted on stanchions. Each video display 30 preferably provides a highdefinition, full viewing experience. Fifty-inch high-definition plasmatelevisions are preferable because they provide maximum performancegiven the enclosure's spatial limitations. Each video display 30 may beseparately controlled by its respective gaming system, or multiple videodisplays 30 may be interconnected so that the same image is shown oneach video display. In another embodiment in which the video displays 30are interconnected, a single image is displayed across all four videodisplays. In another embodiment of enclosure 11, additional videodisplays 30 can be placed on the exterior of enclosure 11. Theses videodisplays 30 are also removably secured to steel-plate reinforced wall 21with brackets 31. These exterior-mounted video displays allow otherevent attendees to either watch the games played, watch the eventattendees in the enclosure, or watch DVDs or television events tofurther enhance the mobile entertainment environment.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include avideo amplifier or controller that is electrically connected to some orall of the video displays. The video controller allows event planners,party facilitators or others to control some or all the video displaysto show messages, to simultaneously provide training videos ordemonstrations on multiple visual display units, or to display a singlegame on multiple visual display units. Additionally, the videocontroller enables quick termination of entertainment when an event isconcluded.

The game controllers (not shown) used to play the video games include ajoystick, steering wheel, paddle, gun, keyboard, mouse, or Wii Remote asknown in the art.

Optionally, at each entertainment station 20 along wall 21 there is agame shelf 36, which supports the gaming systems, their controllers andperipherals, multiple copies of a wide variety of games, a variety ofmovies or shows on DVDs, any supportive computer equipment, multiplepower outlets, and one or more network hubs 37 that permits easyswitching of gaming systems and allow players to dynamically add anddelete players. Game shelf 36 can be one long shelf that spans thelength of wall 21 or it can be smaller shelves, cabinets, tables,drawers or any other type of storage unit. Housed in or on game shelf 36at each station is one or more gaming system.

The entertainment environment 10 includes seating for event attendees.Preferably the seating comprises removable chairs or sofas. The seatingis preferably placed opposite the video displays for optimal viewing.For example, four entertainment stations can sit across from seating forsixteen attendees. Preferably, there are three six-foot couches that canseat up to sixteen event attendees. Because the seating is removable,portions can be removed if necessary to accurate wheelchairs or to becleaned or replaced. While six-foot couches are preferred, any type ofseating can be used, as is known in the art, such as recliners orcaptains chairs.

Behind seating 26, in the preferred embodiment, there is a long food andbeverage shelf 27. Food and beverage shelf 27 can be any type of storageor shelving and may even have integral cup holders 28 to minimizespills. Alternatively, the food and beverage shelves can be integralwith the seating. In addition to providing a convenient place for eventattendees to place their food and beverages while they are playinggames, the food and beverage shelf 27 also provides additionalinsulation and helps conceal irregularities in the floor caused by thewheels of enclosure 11.

In one embodiment of enclosure 11, security cameras 29 can be includedto allow for real-time viewing of event attendees by parents, partyfacilitators, or other event attendees. For example, the cameras 29 cantransmit images either to a television located in a parent's house or toadditional video displays set up externally to enclosure 11. Securitycameras 29 may record event activities for later review, for example incase any damage or injury occurs during a party.

Entertainment environment 10 can be used to entertain or educateattendees at a wide variety of events including birthday parties,graduation parties, client entertainment events, corporate trainingsessions, team celebrations, video game tournaments, sports traininganalysis sessions, or fund raisers. Young children can be entertainedwith simple games and educational shows. Teenagers and older childrencan be entertained with a wide variety of interactive games.Professionals can use the entertainment environment 10 for gaming, forentertaining clients, or for training sessions. Ultimately, theentertainment environment is a cost-effective way for event planners todeliver a total gaming and entertainment experience with minimalfinancial investment and no technical expertise.

In use, prior to delivering the entertainment environment to an eventlocation, the certain electronics equipment can be taken from a securestorage area and installed in enclosure 11. Installation includespositioning the equipment and electrically connecting some or all of thecomponents to each other. For example, the video displays 30 and thegaming systems 31, 32, 33 and 34 can be electrically connected andsecured in enclosure 11. Once the equipment is in the enclosure, theentire entertainment environment is transported to the event location.Upon arrival at the event site, entertainment environment is positionedin a relatively level or flat location and the stabilizers 13 arelowered. Then, any equipment that has not already been placed orelectrically connected previously can now be placed and connected. Forexample, the power source can be connected to the climate control units.Once the environment is set up, the desired doors are opened andtemporary authorization to use entertainment environment 10 is grantedto the event attendees. Preferably the temporary authorization isarranged prior to delivering the entertainment enclosure 11 to an event,and more preferably the temporary authorization is provided for a fee.The fee may be a flat fee for a given event, or variable, based on thetime at the event, number of event attendees, or other method ofcalculating the fee. For large events, multiple entertainment enclosures11 may be delivered and use temporarily authorized.

When the event attendees enter enclosure 11, they can find comfortableseats at one of the entertainment stations. At each entertainmentstation, the event attendees can choose the gaming system they prefer touse and choose a game to play or a show to watch. If desired, the eventattendees can play an interactive game with other attendees at theirstation or they can link to another station for even more interactivegaming. Moreover, they can choose to connect to the internet and playinteractive games with remote game players. While having temporaryauthorization to use entertainment environment 10, the event attendeescan change among games and gaming systems as they wish.

If exterior video displays are desired, they are preferably installedonce entertainment environment 10 arrives at the event location. Oncethey are installed, additional event attendees can watch what the gamesor movies being played inside enclosure 11, or they can watch securitycamera images or other videos or television broadcasts.

At the conclusion of the event, when the temporary authorizationexpires, any exterior video displays 30 are removed and the entireenvironment 10 is driven away from the event location. Once back to itsusual storage location, the certain electronic components can bedisconnected and removed from the environment 10 for secure storage.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at presentconsidered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention.Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A mobile entertainment device comprising: a) a mobileenclosure; b) multiple removable visual displays removably securedinside the mobile enclosure; c) multiple removable and interchangeablegame systems installed in the mobile enclosure to cooperate with thevisual displays; d) removable audio equipment installed in the mobileenclosure to cooperate with the interchangeable game systems and visualdisplays; e) removable modular seating positioned inside the mobileenclosure wherein each seat faces the same direction to view the visualdisplays; f) one or more climate control units positioned to control theair temperature within the mobile enclosure; and g) one or more powersources connected to the mobile enclosure to supply power to the climatecontrol units, the video displays, the audio equipment, and the gamesystems.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a) means fortemporary authorization to access the entertainment environment.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising: a) additional removable videodisplays secured to the outside of the mobile enclosure.
 4. The deviceof claim 1 further comprising: a) security cameras within the mobileenclosure.
 5. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a) stabilizersattached to the mobile enclosure.
 6. A mobile entertainment devicecomprising: a) a mobile enclosure having a first sidewall, a secondsidewall, a front wall and a back wall; b) multiple removable visualdisplays removably secured inside the mobile enclosure along the firstside wall so that all visual displays face the same direction; c)multiple removable and interchangeable game systems installed in themobile enclosure along the first side wall to cooperate with the visualdisplays; d) removable audio equipment installed in the mobile enclosureto cooperate with the interchangeable game systems and visual displays;e) at least one row of removable modular seats that face the visualdisplays, positioned inside the mobile enclosure parallel to the secondside wall; f) one or more climate control units positioned to controlthe air temperature within the mobile enclosure; and g) one or morepower sources connected to the mobile enclosure to supply power to theclimate control units, the video displays, the audio equipment, and thegame systems.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the multiple removableand interchangeable game systems further comprises at least two types ofgame systems cooperating with each visual display.
 8. The device ofclaim 6 further comprising: a) a network hub connected to each gamesystem.
 9. The device of claim 6 further comprising: a) a door in thesecond wall of the mobile enclosure to admit event attendees.
 10. Thedevice of claim 6 further comprising: a) a door in the fourth wall thatfolds down to become a ramp.
 11. The device of claim 6 furthercomprising: a) a game shelf parallel to the first sidewall.
 12. Thedevice of claim 6 further comprising: a) a beverage shelf parallel tothe second sidewall.
 13. The device of claim 12 further comprising: a)at least one cupholder in the beverage shelf.
 14. A method ofentertaining event attendees, the method comprising: a) delivering amobile entertainment environment to an event location wherein theentertainment environment comprises: i. a mobile environment enclosure;ii. multiple visual displays removably secured inside the mobileenclosure; iii. multiple removable gaming systems installed in themobile enclosure to cooperate with the visual displays; iv. removableaudio equipment installed in the mobile enclosure to cooperate with thegaming systems and visual displays; v. removable seating positionedinside the mobile enclosure so that event attendees can comfortably usethe entertainment systems and view the visual displays; and vi. one ormore climate control units to control the air temperature within themobile enclosure; and vii. one or more power supplies connected to themobile enclosure to supply power to the climate control units, the videodisplays, the audio equipment, and the entertainment systems; b)providing event attendees with temporary authorization and access to thegaming and entertainment environment; c) entertaining event attendees;and d) terminating entertainment when the temporary authorizationexpires.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the method furthercomprises: a) entertaining event attendees on additional video displaysremovably secured outside of the mobile enclosure.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the method further comprises: a) securing the mobileenclosure using stabilizers attached to the mobile enclosure to minimizemotion when occupied by event attendees.
 17. The method of claim 14wherein the method further comprises: a) providing wheelchair access tothe mobile enclosure.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the methodfurther comprises: a) providing master control of all of the videodisplays with a video controller connected electrically to all of thevideo displays.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the method furthercomprises: a) monitoring the event attendees using security cameraswithin the mobile enclosure.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein themethod further comprises: a) recording event activities using thesecurity cameras for later review.